The Mutilation of the Gospel

Original Tunic worn by St. Francis of Assisi found in Cortona, Italy

St. Francis, warned by the Holy Spirit of the mutilation of gospel perfection by the ministers, cried out: "Do the ministers think that they are making light of God and of me? Well, so that all the brothers may know and be forwarned that they are bound to observe the perfection of the gospel, I wish it to be written in the beginning and at the end of the Rule: the brothers are bound to observe the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And so, that the brothers may always be inexcusable before God, I wish with God's help to put into practice and always observe the prescriptions which God has placed in my mouth for the salvation and usefulness of my soul and the soul of my brothers."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Legend of Perugia - 69

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